Southeast Prepares for New Students with Opening Week Activities

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., Aug. 3, 2009 — Southeast Missouri State University will kick off the 2009-2010 school year by welcoming its new students with a variety of activities beginning Aug. 20.

“We’re gearing up for campus to come to life again,” said Theresa Haug-Belvin, assistant director of New Student Programs.

The activities begin with student move-in Aug. 20. Early Bird move-in is scheduled for 6-8 a.m. in the Student Recreation Center. This is for first-year students looking to get a head start on moving into their residence hall rooms. Regular residence hall check-in is 8 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center.

Later that day at 11 a.m., a fraternity and sorority recruitment informational meeting for parents will take place in Towers 207. This meeting is for parents to learn more about Greek Life at Southeast. A second meeting will be held at 1 p.m. in the University Center Party Room.

A commuter student informational session at 4:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom will offer tips about involvement, safety, dining options and information technology to students who will live off-campus.

At 6:30 p.m. students will have meetings on their residence hall floors and learn more about on-campus living.

A pool party at the Student Aquatic Center will close the day from 9-11 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 21, the University will hold a Welcome Convocation at 10 a.m. in the Show Me Center. Kenneth W. Dobbins, president of Southeast, along with other University and student leaders will welcome students to Southeast and offer a general orientation and information about opening week activities.

“The Welcome Convocation is a wonderful opportunity for students to begin their transition to Southeast,” Haug-Belvin said.

Following the Welcome Convocation, Southeast 101 meetings will begin. These allow new students to meet and interact with faculty and staff. Lunch will be served.

From 2-4 p.m., new students may participate in college meetings where they will hear the dean of their college speak and meet faculty from their department.

Honors students along with students who are interested in the Honors Program at Southeast are invited to an Honors open house at 902 College Hill from 3-6 p.m. The open house offers students a chance to see the Honors House and meet other students in the program.

At 7 p.m., the annual “Great Ice Cream Pig Out” will be held in the Student Recreation Center. This is a great all-you-can-eat Southeast tradition. Comedian and magician, Daniel Martin, will follow with an entertaining and energized performance.

Saturday, Aug. 22 begins with First STEP orientation in the University Center from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This orientation is for first-year students who have not previously completed a First STEP session.

From 8 a.m.-noon, first year students have the opportunity to meet and join a service learning project with Habitat for Humanity. The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. in the Fireside Lounge in Towers Complex. For more information, contact Kerry Wallaert at kawallaert@semo.edu.

Students will have the opportunity to tour Southeast’s campus at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. with tours starting at the fountain in front of Kent Library. Students are encouraged to bring their class schedules, so they can learn where their classes are located.

The Honors program will host another open house from 4-7 p.m.

At 4:30 p.m. in the University Center Program Lounge, an Academic and Student Support Session will be held. This meeting will provide necessary information to Academic Enhancement program students, students of color and first-generation college students.

Ending Saturday’s events will be the annual showing of an outdoor movie on Academic Terraces at 9 p.m. This year, the comedy, “Step Brothers” will be playing.

On Sunday, Aug. 23, students are invited to the annual Chamber of Commerce Welcome Back Picnic from 4-6 p.m. in the Show Me Center. This event offers food, fun and lots of free giveaways. The picnic is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Chartwells Educational Dining Services.

“Opening week activities are important because we want our students to flourish and grow in our Southeast community by having a successful first-year experience,” Haug-Belvin said. “We hope our opening week events get them all off to a great start.”

Classes for fall semester begin at 8 a.m. Aug. 24. Welcome Back tents will be set up around campus to aid Southeast students in their first days of the semester.

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